Hamilton concurred, saying, “We in rural Minnesota used to go along
to get along, gosh shucks, but my friend, [former Democratic] Senator
Jim Vickerman, advised me to hold my ground but still be approachable.

“When
29 of the 22 committee chairs are from the metro area, and after you
consider Rochester and Duluth, only four chairs are from greater
Minnesota, we have to make our points and advocate strongly for this
area.”

. . . the rural caucus attracts between 30 and 40 House and Senate
Republicans each week. The cast of legislators is ever-changing, as all
Republicans are invited to attend.

In the group’s first meeting, members elected Sen. Doug Magnus of
Slayton and Mountain Lake Rep. Rod Hamilton as co-chairmen of the
caucus, while [Dave] Senjem, Rep. Mary Franson of Alexandria and Iron Range
Rep. Carolyn McElfatrick were picked to sit on the caucus’ executive
committee. . . .

Surprisingly, the Preston Republican and Taxes Committee chairman opted
not to join the rural caucus, saying he does not like the “splits” that
can result. He added: “I’m a member of the Minnesota House of
Representatives caucus.”